If you’ve ever been in the situation where you’re just one USB-C port short, or perhaps even three USB-C ports short, then you might want to look into getting a USB4 hub, which can be an easy way to add more ports and options to your workflows.
However, these options usually slow things down quite a bit, so it’s nice to see new innovations that are speeding these hubs up, as we see in this latest offering from OWC with the USB4 Hub that uses just 40Gb/s of your total bandwidth to turn a single USB4 port into four, as well as add an HDMI 2.1 port.
Let’s check out what this USB4 Hub has to offer.
The New OWC USB4 Hub
OWC USB4 Hub
Credit: OWC
Most USB-C hubs cap your laptop at 10Gb/s. However, most USB-C laptops are built for four times that. The new OWC USB4 Hub is one of the few options that truly lets you run at the full 40Gb/s your hardware supports—which should speed up workflows, even with these extra ports.
What’s unique about this solution is that it uses two fast drives running at once instead of waiting in line for an open port, an issue with other hubs in the past. If you’re using the ports for filmmaking or content workflows, this could mean your monitor lights up the second you plug it in, or your laptop stays charged without a second power brick cluttering your desk.
It’s not just for editors, either; this hub could be a great option for all types of creatives who want to quickly pull footage off a card while an SSD backs up your archive at the same time. The HDMI port is also a nice touch as well as it can support an 8K/60 Hz display, and the USB4 ports can support one 4K/240 Hz display, each of which may be used individually or together.
Price and Availability
OWC USB4 Hub
Credit: OWC
The new USB4 Hub from OWC is available for preorder now, with units expected to start shipping at the end of October. Here are the full specs and purchase options.
- 1 x USB4 Host Port (81W)
- 2 x USB4 Ports with DP Alt Mode (15W)
- 2 x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 Ports (15W)
- 1 x HDMI 2.1 Port
- Supports up to Two Displays
- Supports 8K/60 Hz and 4K/240 Hz
- Power and Activity LED
- Kensington Lock Slot
- iPadOS and Linux/Ubuntu Compatible
- Windows, Mac, and Chrome Compatible
OWC USB4 Hub
Expand the connectivity of your USB4 device using the USB4 Hub from OWC. Compatible with Windows, Mac, Chrome, iPadOS, and Ubuntu, this hub connects to your host system using a USB-C port that operates using the USB4 standard and provides up to 81W of charging power.
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